Here at the Surf Coast Trek we love sharing the reasons why our trekkers have chosen to take on the Trek. This time around we spoke with Keelie Hamilton, who is a looking forward to achieving something she’s never done before.
How did you hear about the Trek and what made you decide to take part?
I heard about the Trek directly from the Give Where You Live Foundation CEO Bill Mithen, but I was immediately drawn to be a part of it and to encourage my organisation to take part as a group for the first time.
Have you done the Trek before?
No, I have not done the Trek previously, but have now come across so many people who have. I have done a practice walk of 15kms along some of the walk, beautiful, but not easy.
What are you looking forward to most about the Trek?
I am really looking forward to chatting with other people and learning about why they are doing the walk. At the training sessions I have chatted to a few people and find people’s stories so interesting and inspiring. I am also not really one of those people who make the most on the amazing things we have to do on our doorstep, so that was another motivating factor to get involved.
You’ve majorly exceeded your fundraising target as well, what did you do to reach it?
I cannot claim any of the responsibility for reaching the target. All I did was reach out to people and ask for a supportive message or donation suggesting all of it would help me to get across the line. I think people in Geelong believe so much in the work Give Where You Live and Kids Foundation do, that it was an easy ask.
Do you have any tips or tricks to pass on to your fellow trekkers?
Good socks, but mostly I am hoping my fellow trekkers can share their tips for me to make it on the day.
What’s the first thing you’ll do after crossing the finish line?
I am going to make the most of The Gordon massage students for my tired muscles and then I am pretty sure I will end up taking an ocean dip!
What would you say to those on the fence in registering for the Trek?
I am actually hoping this will be the start of me doing something that I have never achieved before. I think if you are on the fence, just imagine the sense of self-satisfaction in completing or even in trying. I also think how lucky I am to be able to participate without barriers, so many others can’t.
You can donate to Keelie via her fundraising page here.
